With the Red Bulls dropping their first two games of the season and already falling behind the pace in the Eastern Conference, Sunday’s 4 p.m. home opener against Colorado takes on even added importance for a high-priced club clearly frustrated with a slow start.

“We want to win every game,’’ said GM Erik Soler. “We started very well in 2010, we started very well last year and everybody thought we were going to win everything after five or six games last season, it didn’t end that way.

“I had a good chat for other reasons with (Sporting KC’s) Peter Vermes last night and the first thing he said was well look at what we did last year. I also remember a lot of discussions about Seattle’s coach, because they had a bad start. So losers and winners are not decided at this point.

“Having said that, I would much rather have six points or three points or four points or two points or one point than zero points. I’m not happy with the start, but I don’t think it’s going to be a problem for us to get the points we need.’’

If so, Sunday offers a golden opportunity. After losing on the road to FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake, clearly two of the better teams in MLS, the Red Bulls have an opportunity to benefit from coming home to Harrison. But that won’t do that unless they cut down on their costly giveaways and glaring defensive gaffes.

“You always think you can pick up points, at least one win in two tight games on the road, so of course it’s a bit annoying, frustrating,’’ said coach Hans Backe. “The way we lose against Salt Lake is annoying. It’s an even game and for the first time in two years we (played well). But…games come down to key moments and we haven’t been effective in these, attacking or defending, and that costs you wins.

“You just need to be sharp 90 minutes; you can’t allow anyone to sleep for a second, and all of a sudden a side-pass and bang, you’re one-down. It’s too costly. The decision masking has to be better. If you decide to clear, then clear for (goodness’) sake. Don’t try to come out in a nice casual way because they will hurt you. That’s the key moment we have to be aware of.’’

The team has clearly missed the energy and work rate that Luke Rodgers brings, and it’s unclear when – or if – the English striker will be back. His appeal was in the hands of Homeland Security at this point, with the team still having no update.

In his 20 regular-season starts last year, the Red Bulls looked championship-caliber, with a 9-4-7 record good for 34 points while outscoring their foes 32-18. In the 14 games he didn’t start — missing much of the team’s two-month winless skid with plantar fasciitis — the Red Bulls were 1-4-9 for 10 points, outscored 26-18.

In the meantime, Kenny Cooper is likely to start in his stead alongside Thierry Henry.

“It’s been fun playing in some really fantastic atmospheres around the league, but I’m definitely looking forward to us having a chance to have our home opener,’’ said Cooper. “I don’t think it’s the way any of us wanted to start the season; but the good thing is we don’t have to wait long to get back on the field.’’